Derby conceded just one goal in the three fixtures and they have yet to concede when Ledley has been on the pitch - he had been substituted three minutes before Brentford grabbed their late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Griffin Park.

Joe Ledley after scoring the opener for Derby County at Brentford (Image: Andy Clarke)

He has lined up alongside fellow-30-year-old Tom Huddlestone in central midfield in what has become Derby's preferred shape of 4-2-3-1.

Ledley's know-how, calmness on the ball and his contribution does not always appear obvious because he tends to be solid rather than spectacular but do not let that cloud the importance of such a role.

He is the type of player who is appreciated by his team-mates and his manager, and whose importance to the balance of the team grows on supporters. An example of this was John Eustace. The likes of Eustace, and Ledley, are quiet leaders. It is not always all about them, for them it is more about the team.

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Ledley's maturity was clear in his first taste of the A52 derby against Forest. He stepped in without fuss, and that was always likely given his experience from playing in the Premier League, in Europe and on the international stage.

He is recognised as a tenacious, dogged midfielder - a 'Steady Eddie', a seven-out-of-10 man who shields the defence, wins the ball and uses it simply.

His decision-making and game-management are among his strengths. He often pops up to make a interception or to tidy up.

We have seen those credentials, but we have also seen Ledley have an effect higher up the pitch.

He ghosted into the box at Brentford to put Derby ahead after 15 minutes.

Joe Ledley heads home for Derby County at Brentford (Image: Andy Clarke)

Tom Lawrence, out on the left touchline, moved the ball onto his right foot and crossed. Sam Winnall headed back across goal and there was Ledley, supporting the attack from midfield, and he coolly guided his header wide of Daniel Bentley.

Against Forest, it was Ledley who received the ball from Andre Wisdom and threaded a pass into Matej Vydra in the opening minute and he whipped a left-foot shot into the bottom corner of the net to give Derby a dream start.

Forest enjoyed the majority of possession in the contest and gave Derby problems. Although Derby recorded a clean sheet, there remains a concern over the Rams' shape when not in possession and over the balance in midfield, two aspects that have been topics of discussion this season.

Ledley's arrival has helped to improve matters. We have seen that in patches and although it is still early days, you can sense his growing influence on the team.